New scholarship opportunities..announces

Up to $12,000 in scholarships are available from the Golden LEAF Foundation to attend four-year colleges and universities in North Carolina,,,,,,,,,,,

The Golden LEAF Foundation has recently revised its scholarship program to offer up to $12,000 for students from qualifying counties to attend participating four-year colleges and universities.

“The Foundation is committed to growing the economies of tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and rural communities,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “Helping cultivate the talent, knowledge and skill of our future workforce is part of the recipe of success for rebuilding these areas.”

Under the new program, a rising college freshman from a qualifying county can apply for a $12,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship to attend one of the participating four-year colleges and universities. Golden LEAF’s four-year scholars will be eligible for $3,000 a year for up to four years. Scholarships are primarily need-based.

Students from qualifying counties that transfer from a community college to one of the participating four-year institutions are also eligible for $3,000 a year for up to three years, depending on the number of credits the student transfers.

Applications will be available December 16 at CFNC.org/goldenleaf. You can visit the Golden LEAF Website’s scholarship page at www.goldenleaf.org/scholarships.html for more information on scholarship opportunities.

“The Golden LEAF Board of Directors decided to revise the Golden LEAF Scholarship program from a year-to-year commitment to providing four years of assistance to make a tangible difference in the choice for young people to further their education," said Edgar Roach Jr., chairman of the Golden LEAF Board of Directors. “The Board is ever aware of the needs of our communities, and is making an investment now in youth to develop the workforce and leadership of the future.”

Since its inception, Golden LEAF has also provided scholarships for students from qualifying counties to attend any of North Carolina’s community colleges. Curriculum students can apply for assistance for up to $750 per semester, and non-curriculum students can apply to receive up to $250 a semester.

Community college students must apply for the scholarship each semester. Awards can be applied toward tuition, fees and related expenses. Scholarships are need- and merit-based.

Contact your local community college’s financial aid office for more information on how to apply for a Golden LEAF Scholarship to attend North Carolina’s community colleges.